Groundwater recharge pathways were studied in the Changwu area of China using environmental isotopes. The researchers found that shallow and confined aquifers are mainly recharged by precipitation and surface water. The II confined aquifer along the Yangtze River is recharged by modern precipitation, while the Henglin area aquifer was recharged by the ancient Yangtze River. The recharge conditions of other aquifers were also identified, helping to evaluate groundwater resources for sustainable development.